Thursday, June 27, 2013

Six Fort from Rajasthan included in UNESCO World Heritage List

The 'Hill Forts of Rajasthan', six
forts located on the rocky terrains of the Aravali mountains, made it to
the World Heritage Sites list of UNESCO. The hill forts are Amber, Chittorgarh, Gangron, Jaisalmer, Kumbhalgarh and Ranthambore. Rajasthan's Tourism, Art and Culture Minister Bina Kak said: "The
selection of these forts is a reflection of our work done in the past.
We stand by our commitment towards conservation and protection of our
rich cultural heritage, of which we are immensely proud." The
minister added that the hill forts were approved in the 37th meeting of
the World Heritage Committee in Pnom Penh, Cambodia, June 21. The
selection of these forts as a serial cultural property is the first of
its kind ever by the Unesco, she said. Kak added that the six forts will
receive enhanced international recognition like the Jantar Mantar in
Jaipur after it was selected for the World Heritage List in 2010.

The
selection will also pave the way for other monuments to be nominated
for being included in the World Heritage List. Built between 18th and
19th centuries, the forts are excellent example of Rajput military hill
architecture, which are found in palaces, temples, memorials and even in
villages. Several missions of International Council on Monuments and
Sites (ICOMOS), an advisory body to the Unesco, have been visiting
Rajasthan since 2011 and discussed the nomination with the state
archaeology department, Archaeological Survey of India and the Indian
Advisory Committee on the World Heritage under the union ministry of
culture.